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NEF May newsletter: focus on energy

  • by JW

“Act now, starting with a £15bn boost to benefits, a windfall tax on energy producers making extreme profits, and a Great Homes Upgrade to reduce the energy used in millions of homes.”

“By focusing only on supply, the government’s energy strategy offers a one-dimensional solution to a multifaceted problem.”

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The latest newsletter from the NEF out today focusses on energy:

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DON'T MISS

As voters went to the polls for yesterday’s local elections, one issue dominated: the cost of living crisis. The prices of everyday essentials are spiralling and people are being squeezed from every side. Millions are having to make day-to-day sacrifices to get by.

Our new analysis showed that 2.2 million more people will struggle to afford essentials like putting food on the table or replacing clothes. Spiralling prices are hammering low-income families and squeezing families up the income scale, and yet the government continues to sit on its hands. Rishi Sunak must act now, starting with a £15bn boost to benefits, a windfall tax on energy producers making extreme profits, and a Great Homes Upgrade to reduce the energy used in millions of homes.

Miatta Fahnbulleh, Chief Executive, NEF


COST OF LIVING SCANDAL

New analysis: Losing the inflation race
Sam Tims and Dominic Caddick expose how poorly targeted policy is failing to prevent an income crisis.

Exposed: The collapse of green space provision in England and Wales
Neighbourhood green space provision has declined by one third in 21st-century developments, resulting in 9m fewer trips to green space every year, reports Alex Chapman.

On a wing and a prayer
Five ways the government’s irresponsible plans for aviation are putting us all at risk, by Alex Chapman.

  • Thank you so much to everyone who helped us hit our £25,000 stretch target to fight high-carbon airport expansions. More updates coming soon.

The government’s new energy strategy is full of holes
By focusing only on supply, the government’s energy strategy offers a one-dimensional solution to a multifaceted problem, writes Chaitanya Kumar for openDemocracy.

Climate roadmap
Next steps for the European Central Bank to support the low-carbon transition – new report by NEF and 16 partner organisations.

LISTEN

New Economics Podcast: What did Covid-19 reveal about how our economy is really run?
What can we learn from moments when the predictable rules of economic life are suspended? Who wins and who loses in these points of crisis? And has the pandemic pushed us into a new form of capitalism? Ayeisha Thomas-Smith is joined by Sahil Dutta and Nick Taylor to discuss their new book“Unprecedented? How Covid-19 revealed the politics of our economy”.

Check out our other recent episodes:

WATCH
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The Living Income
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Take action

Help us win safe, affordable housing
NEF believes that through building homes for genuinely affordable rent – instead of prioritising homes to buy – we can end the housing crisis. To help us campaign, we want to hear what the housing crisis looks like to you – and what you want in future. Fill in the survey.

IN THE NEWS

Rishi Sunak’s philanthropy is a ruse
NEF analysis showing nearly half of all children are now living in families struggling to afford replacing clothes and shoes or putting food on the table was mentioned in the Guardian, Tribune, the Telegraph, the Daily Express and Jacobin.

Lydia Prieg on Channel 4 News

How can the UK tackle inflation?
Lydia Prieg spoke to Channel 4 News about the risks of recession from raising interests rates.

What is a windfall tax and could the UK introduce one?
Miatta Fahnbulleh was quoted in Yahoo! News calling for a windfall tax on oil giants’ soaring profits.

Recession warning as confidence among shoppers falls to lowest since 2008 financial crash
Sam Tims spoke to the Independent about the need for a Living Income to boost the economy in the face of a looming recession.

People are struggling to pay their energy bills – here’s a simple idea that could help
Polly Toynbee wrote about NEF’s Great Homes Upgrade campaign in the Guardian.

Britons in crisis! Sunak skewered over tax raid — Chancellor urged to make rapid U‑turn
NEF analysis showing that just 7% of relief from the fuel duty cut will reach the poorest fifth of households was mentioned in the Daily Express.

Emmanuel Macron’s scorecard: has the French president rescued a faltering economy?
Chaitanya Kumar spoke to the Sunday Times about Macron’s response to the energy crisis.


Together we can change the rules | New Economics Foundation.